Pelican Kayaks
The Pelican brand includes Coleman Kayaks, purchased by Pelican International a few years ago. Pelican produces a variety of entry-level kayaks, canoes, fishing boats and pedal boats using a twin sheet thermoforming process that results in extremely durable and impact-resistant hulls. Pelican kayaks are molded using a proprietary material called RAM-X. Newer models feature RAM-XR, a resin that creates added rigidity with less weight. Pelican canoe hulls include the same material wrapped around a foam core for added insulation and strength.Traditionally, Pelican kayaks have been geared towards casual / recreational paddlers seeking a rugged yet highly affordable boat. Recently Pelican launched a new “Elite Series” of kayaks and canoes offering superior performance and aimed at more serious kayakers, including the new Pelican Sound recreational kayaks Pelican Strait 120 and Strait 140 touring kayaks.
Pelican Kayak Models
Recreational and Touring Kayaks
The Pursuit series is Pelican’s basic line of closed shell recreational kayaks. These boats are geared toward beginning paddlers who want to enjoy a casual day on the water. The Pelican Pursuit 100 lays claim to being one of the most popular beginner’s kayaks in the North America, and given its price around $300 this is understandable. Of course a Pelican Pursuit won’t handle anything like a higher-priced boat, but it’s not a bad choice for an occasional paddler who is just seeking a comfortable and easy-to-paddle boat for fun and recreation. The Pursuit 120, with some added features and design changes is new for 2009. The longer Pursuit 140 features a drop-down skeg for tracking and added cargo space. Weighing in at just 26 pounds, the 8-foot long Pelican Break is somewhere near the line between kayak and water toy—lots of fun for kids and just goofing around on the water.
Pelican Elite Series Kayaks
Long known as a manufacturer of entry level kayaks, Pelican is marketing its new Elite Series as transitional or intermediate-level boats for more experienced paddlers wanting superior performance but not yet ready to venture into the high-end market. In the recreational category, the Elite Series entry is the Pelican Sound series. These are good quality, full-feature day use kayaks. For more extended touring use, the Pelican Strait series offers a wide range of features and may become a top choice in the intermediate touring kayak market. Unfortunately distribution of Pelican Strait and Sound Elite Series kayaks is still rather limited in the US.
Pelican Sit-On-Top Kayaks
Pelican recently expanded its sit-on-top kayak lineup with the Apex series. The Apex lineup features a number of open-hulled single and tandem kayaks suited to day paddling and family overnight trips where storage capacity, stability, and paddling from a seated position are desired. The shorter Burst and Zest sit-on-tops are super-maneuverable and fun for casual or novice paddlers. There’s also an Elite Series sit-on-top, the Pelican Horizon.
Pelican Fishing Kayaks
Pelican’s fishing kayaks are similar to the models listed above, but with a wider platform and some added features such as rod holders and built-in tackle boxes. The Castaway series are sit-on-tops—more traditional for fishing kayaks—while Pelican Getaway kayaks have a closed-hull design. New Elite Series Pelican Strike fishing kayaks are coming in 2009.